William Chaves Jr. – George Daly Special Recognition Award

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, but spent his entire school-aged years growing up in Enfield. Attended John F. Kennedy Junior High and graduated from Enfield High School in 1984. Played basketball and baseball for JFK & EHS and was captain of both the baseball and basketball teams during his senior year. Earned three college degrees during his academic career. In 1988, Graduated from St. Thomas University (Miami, FL), where he was named the Most Outstanding Senior in the Sports Administration program. Upon graduation, spent one year at Oklahoma State University as a graduate assistant in the sports information department and earned a Master’s Degree. Named Director of Sports Information at Quinnipiac College from 1990-1995. In late 1995, returned to Enfield and served as the Town’s Athletic Director until the summer of 1998. Earned a second master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Sport Management in May,1999. Promptly resumed his intercollegiate administrative career by being named Assistant Athletic Director at the University of Northern Colorado. In 2001, named Assistant Athletic Director at Northeastern University in Boston. Professional career highlights include: partnering Quinnipiac College and the Nutmeg State Games; served as media relations coordinator (1991-94) for the Nutmeg Games; served as site coordinator for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games; Founder of The Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. Served as the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame’s co-chairman from 1996-99.

MICHAEL (MIKE) ANGELICA

Began formal sports career in the Thompsonville Little League. Played 2-years in
the Babe Ruth Baseball League and one season for the Enfield American Legion. At Enfield High School, played 3-years of varsity football, 2-years of varsity
basketball and 3-years of varsity baseball. Named All-League in baseball his Junior and Senior seasons. Played for the Unity Athletic Club (Ludlow, MA) in the Tri County League in 1967-1968. Traveled overseas playing baseball in Europe for the Hanau, Germany Baseball Team in 1967-1968. Played in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1971. Given a tryout by the Baltimore Orioles at Haggerstown, PA. After being released by the Baltimore organization, played in the Tri-County League in Western Massachusetts in 1972, where he played for the next 16 years. During that time frame, was named to the all-league team 6 times. Also played 2-years in the Hartford Twi-light League while playing Tri-County baseball. Played in Enfield Park & Recreation Basketball, Football and Softball Leagues. Assistant Coach of the Enfield High School Baseball Team. Active member of the Western Mass. Umpires Baseball Association since 1988.

ROBERT T. (BOB) MERCIK

Born in Springfield, MA and was raised and continues to live in Enfield. Played
baseball, football and basketball in the sandlots and at the A.D. Higgins School
where he played basketball and baseball. A 3-sport player at Enfield High School.
Captain and voted the Most Valuable Player of the football and baseball teams his senior year. In football, he played quarterback and defensive back and his 1953 undefeated team was the Pioneer Valley champions. The 1954-55 basketball team was the Valley Wheel Champions. Played shortstop on the EHS baseball teams and led the team in hitting during his senior year. Attended American International College (Springfield, MA). Played 2-years of varsity football (as the starting running back and defensive cornerback) and 3-years of varsity baseball. In AIC football, was one of the team’s leading rushers in both of his varsity seasons. In baseball, was one of AIC’s best hitters during his senior seson. Awarded the AIC Alumni Award as the Student Athlete of the year and ranked number 2 in his class academically. After graduation from AIC, played sports in the Enfield fast pitch Softball League and served as a player/coach of the Maciolek Post semi-pro baseball team in Enfield.  Coached Enfield Stars miget football for 3 seasons.

GEORGE LaGRANGE

Born and raised in the Thompsonville section of Enfield. Started his organized
sports career at A.D. Higgins Grammar School in 1935-36 where he played basketball. Named team captain in 1936 and finished in first place. 1940 graduate of Enfield High School where he played 2-years of varsity basketball (as a center), 2-years of varsity baseball and 1-year of varsity football. Considered a team player and consistent scorer and was selected as the EHS Class of 1940 Athlete. George became famous for his running one handed shot. Sports reporter for the Enfield High School newspaper. Volunteer coach of the Higgins Grammar School Basketball team for three years that included Nick Gaetani, Matt Pliszka and Dick Vinning. Played for the Bigelow Sanford basketball team in the Springfield Industrial League, where he was the league leading scorer in 1941. Played left field for the Bigelow Sanford baseball team in their championship game of 1948. Played semi-professionall baseball for the Lindy Baseball Team which won the town championship by defeating the Club Silhouette team. Played on the basketball, softball and bowling teams of the Thompsonville Greys. In 1950, was instrumental in forming the first Thompsonville Little League teams and coached the Lion’s Club team for three years. Umpired and served as the league President for one year. Coached the Grey’s Little League Alumni baseball team for three years, in the Connecticut State League. The 1953 team won the Connecticut State Championship. “Thanks for the memories!”.

MARIAN DIPPEL

Marian’s accomplishments have come from both athletics and teaching. A 1972 Enfield High School(EHS) graduate; while playing volleyball, tennis, and 4 years of basketball, including being named captain and in MVP in 1972. After EHS, she was awarded the 1st women’s athletic student senate scholarship from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). At CCSU, she played tennis (1 yr), volleyball (3-yrs), basketball (4-yrs), and softball (4-yrs) while being named captain for the 1976 and 1977 seasons. She graduated in 1977. Marian played softball across the USA. Marian continued her sports career in the Enfield town leagues playing softball, volleyball and flag football in the East Hartford women’s league. Marian also played volleyball in the CT Nutmeg Games in 1991 (bronze medal) and 1992 (gold medal).  Marian coaching career included: Enfield Park & Rec basketball and softball;  Assistant softball coach at CCSU in 1978 and 1979; JFK Middle School & EHS.softball, and EHS girls volleyball for 20 years. Marian has taught physical education in the Enfield Public School system for 25 years. In 1986, she received a Masters in Recreation Management from Springfield College. In 2000, received her 6th year professional diploma in Educational Leadership. Marian’s honors include: Outstanding P.E. Program recognition by the CT Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Celebration of Excellence Honorable Mention Award.  Chairperson for the Physical Eduaction Facilities Committee (1999) and 1998-1999 Enfield Teacher of the Year (1st P.E. teacher to receive this honor).

JOHN (JACK) SALAMON

Born and raised in Enfield where he lived until 1964. Growing up in town, played
Sandlot Football and Summer League Basketball. At Enfield High School (1950 -54), played End on the EHS Football team for all four years. His 1953 football team was Pioneer Valley League champions. Following high school, Salamon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was shipped to Europe in 1955. Named the Most Valuable Lineman while playing for the Birkenfeld Taconeers in the European League in 1957.  Following his military service, attended American International College (Springfield, MA) on an athletic scholarship. At AIC, played three years of varsity football (1959-61) where he was once named ‘Lineman of The Week’ by the Springfield Daily News. Named the Most Valuable Player of the 1960 Homecoming game. Member of the AIC varsity Crew team in 1961. Invited to the Training Camp of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers following graduation from AIC in 1962. Invited to AFL’s Boston Patriots training camp, but declined and went into teaching. Started an outstanding career in education as a student teacher at Enfield’s A.D. Higgins School. Became a full time teacher in the West Springfield, MA school system. Head football coach at West Springfield High School. Named Principal from 1975 until his retirement in 1998.  Finalist for the Massachusetts “Principal of the Year Award”.